Indexible tool holder



R. B. TREER INDEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER Dec. 8, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 7, 1955 INVENTOR.

Dec. 8, 1959 R. B. TREER 2,915,922

INDEXIBLE TQOL HOLDER Filed Sapfl. 7, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 INVENTOR. flaw o @552 Y A TTOPA/EYS 1959 R. B. TREER 4 2,915,922

INDEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER Filed Sept. 7. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 II II Q *LIIIIL'V/ IN V EN TOR. 190::3. 72552 H6. /3 HGJO BY 1959 R. B. TREER 2,915,922

INDEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER Filed Sept. 7, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR. -Pos: B. 72:52

a rraz s g Dec. 8, 1959 R. B. TREER INDEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 7, 1955 50:55. Z'esee aid United States Patent INDEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER Ross B. Treer, Lakewood,'0hio, assignor to The Warner & Swasey Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application September'7, 1955, Serial No.'532,936

9 Claims. (Cl. 74-822) The present invention relates to machine tools and, more particularly, to a hydraulically indexible holder, especially an indexible tool holder which is readily attachable to, and detachable from, an element of a machine tool, such as the cross slide of a lathe. The present application is a continuation-in-part of mycopending application Serial No. 445,036.

Itis an important object of the present invention to provide for a machine tool a new and improved hydraulically indexible tool holder which is readily attachable to, and detachable from, an element of a machine tool, I such as a cross slide of a lathe and wherein the member which is indexed is raised from its supporting member during the indexing movement by a hydraulic motor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide, a tool or Work holder for a machine tool which includes amember indexible about an axis by a hydraulic motor positioned about the axis and wherein the member which is indexed is raised from its supporting member during indexing and clamped to its supporting member after indexing, preferably by hydraulic motors aligned with the hydraulic motor for effecting the indexing movement.

A further object of the present invent is to provide, in a machine tool, a new and improved tool or-workholder including a rotatable tool or work-supporting portion in which the tool or work-supporting portion is lifted-- from its supporting member and indexed by hydraulic-motors which'are under the control of a single control valve, Y and is clamped against its supporting member upon completion of the indexing movement, the control valve and motors being preferably so constructed andarranged that when; the control valve is moved in one direction from its neutral position, the holder is indexed in one direction, and when moved in the opposite direction, the holder is indexed in its other'direction.

Another object of the present invention .is to provide a tool or work holder attachment, for a machine tool wherein the tool orwork holding portion of the holder is rotatably supported with respect to .a base member adapted to be mounted on a machine tool, and iii-which aligned hydraulic motors are provided for clamping the rotatable portion against the base member when a control valve is in its normal position and for lifting the rotatable portion with respect to its base member and indexing the rotatable portion upon movement of the .control valve from its normal position to an indexing position, the holder preferably being indexed in the direction of movement of the control valve from its normal position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indexible holder for use in a machine tool which comprises an indexible member supported on a basemember for indexible movement with respect thereto and in which the members are provided with a plurality of aligned bores each of which constitute a pressure chamber for a fluid pressure motor and wherein the fluid pressure supply to the motorsis through a shaft extending "ice betweenthe bores, which shaft also interconnects the base member and the indexible member.

Further objects and advantages will beapparentfrom the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification and in which:

- matelyalong line 5-5 of Fig. 3 and showing the'hydraulic indexing motor-of the holder;

Figs. 6 and 7 are horizontal sectional views taken approximately along lines 6-6 and 7-7, respectively, of Fig. 3;

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are horizontal sectional views through the control valvesleeve taken approximately along lines 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10, respectively, of Fig. 3 and showing the valve sleeve in its normal position;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are horizontal sectional views corresponding, respectively, to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, but showing the valve sleeve in positionfor causing the tool holder to index .in one direction;

Figs. 14, .15 and 16 are horizontal sectional views corresponding to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, respectively, but showing the valve sleeve in its positionfor indexing the tool holder in its'second direction;

Fig. 17 is a-horizontal sectional view through the valve sleeve of the tool holder ofFig. 3 taken approximately along line17-17 .ofFig. 3;

: Fig. 18 is, a plan view of a tool .holder embodying an alternate form of I the. present. invention;

Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately along line 19-19 of Fig. 18;

- Figs. 20, 2l, 22, 23, 24 and 25 arehorizontal sectional views through the valve. sleeve ofthetool holder shown in Fig. -19 taken approximately. along .lines 20-20,

21-21, 22-22, 23-23,- 24-24.and 25-25, respectively and. showing thevalve. sleeve. in its central, 'nonindexing position;

. sage for connecting the hydraulic lifting .motor to the control valve; 8

Figs. 30, 31, 32 and 33 arehorizontal sectional views correspondingto Figs. '22, 23, 24 and 25, respectively;

\ Figs. 34, 35, 36and 37 are horizontal sectional views corresponding to Figs. 30, 31, 32 and 33, respectively, but

showing the valve sleeve rotated clockwise from its central position to an indexing position; and

Figs. 38, 39, 40 and 41 are horizontal sectional views corresponding to Figs. 30, 31, 32 and 33, respectively, but

showing the valve sleeve rotated counterclockwiseto an indexing position from the central position shown in Figs. 30-33.

The presentinvention contemplates the .provisio'n. of a new and improved indexible ,tool orwonkholder for use with machine tools. The present invention is particularly advantageous when embodied in an indexible tool I holder constructed in the form of an attachment for a tool slide of a lathe.

Referring to the drawings, the presentinvention is i1lustrated as embodied in a'lathe having a bed A, a .headstock-B and across slide carriage C'supported for move- C ment longitudinally of the bed A and having'a cross slide .1) mounted thereon for movement transversely of the j bedA.; The construction and operation of the headstock B, the cross slide carriage C and the cross slide D are conventional and well understood by those skilled in the ;art and, therefore, will'not be describedor shown in detail. Sufiice it to say, the headstock B is adapted to supmounted on the cross slide D and is adapted to support a plurality of tools T, two in the illustrated embodiment,

for indexing vmovement to a position for machining a workpiece being rotated by the headstock B. The tool holder -E comprises a base member 44 and an indexible too1 holding member 45 supported upon the base member 44.

The base member 44 of the tool holder E mounts for limited endwise movement a vertically extending shaft 55. The lower end of the shaft 55, as viewed in Fig. 3, has secured to it a, piston 'head 56 slidable in a cylindrical counterbore 57 and above the counterbore 57 the shaft 55 The' 55 and the plate 68 and act on abutting portions 73a of the housing 67 to normally maintain said housing in a central or intermediate position. The valve housing 67 fixedly supports a valve operating lever 74 which can be moved from its normallycentral or intermediate position to one side or the other of such position to effect unlocking, indexing and locking of the tool holding member to bring either the roughing cutting tool or the finishing cutting tool into operative position.'

Before describing the details of the control valve for the indexible tool holding member 45, it should be pointed out that the'inletconduit 70 connected to the connecting plate 68 extends to, and is connected to, the output side of a pump P. It should also be observed that the exhaust or drain conduit 72 connected to the connecting plate 68 extends to, and is connected with,

the sump for the pump P.

. .As already stated, the inlet conduit 70 is connected; to

the inlet passage 69 in the connecting plate 68 while the outlet or drain conduit 72 isconnected to the outlet passage71- in said plate. The inlet passage 69 registers and v communicates with a passage 75 formed in the upper end 'of the shaft 55 and extending downwardly a distance longitudinally thereof and having a laterally extended .-inner end constituting a port 76 communicating with an annular groove 77 in the inner circumference of the I sleeve 66, see Figs. 3 and 7.

is 'splinedto the base member 44. so that it does not rotate relative'to the slide but has limited endwise movement relative thereto. The shaft 55 passes through a collar 58 rigidly connected to the upper side of the base member e 44 and into a counterbore 59'formed in the indexible member 45 from whenceit extends into a chamber 60' formed in the upper part of the tool holding member. Themember 45 is connected to the shaft 55 so that it is rotatable with respect thereto butaxially movable therewith.

The chamber 60 in the tool holding member forms the "at diametrically located positions is provided with radially 1 extending stationary vanes 63, the outer ends of which are arcuate and interfit the wall of the chamber 60, see --"F.ig. .The'chamber .60 is closed by a closure plate 64 secured The annular. groove 77 communicates with a vertically extending passage 78 formed in the valve sleeve 66 and valve housing 67. The vertically extending passage 78 communicates with vertically spaced ports'79, 80 and 81 formed at different planes in the valve sleeve 66 and extending to the inner circumference, thereof, see Figs. 3,

8, 9 and 10.

.- The outlet or drain passage 71 in the connecting plate h 68 registers and communicates with an outlet or drain passage 82 formed in the upper end of the shaft 55 and extending longitudinally and vertically downwardly of a the shaft and having at its lower end a laterally offset port 83 communicating with an annular groove 84 formedin 'theinner circumference of the valve sleeve 66, see Figs.

7 3 and 6. t

The annular groove :84'communicates with three circularly spaced vertically extending passages 85 formed in the valve housing 67 and valve sleeve 66 and spaced subf stantially 90 apart. in Fig. 3, while all three of the passages 85 are shownin One of the passages 85 is shown Figs. 6, 7,. 8, 9, 10 and 17. The lower ends of the three passages85 communicate with an annular groove 86 .formed in the circumference of the valve sleeve 66, see

to the upper side of the tool holding member 45 and provided 'witha central bore through which the shaft ::extends. .The shaft 55 above the closure plate 64 has :fixed to. it a collar which supports a valve sleeve 66 rotatably fitting the shaft 55 and contained within a housing 67 which is rotatable with the sleeve as a unit. ":A connecting plate 68 is fixedly secured to the upper end of the -shaft55 above the valve housing 67 and is provided with an inlet passage 69 to which the inlet conduit of the pressure fluidcircuit is connected and with an outlet or drain passage 71 to which the outlet or drain conduit 72 of the circuit is connected. It will'be understood that the connecting plate 68 is fixed while the valve housing 67 and the valve sleeve 66 rotate as a unit on the shaft 55 and relative to said plate between the latter Figs. 3 and 17. Should any of the pressure fluid in the valveleakor seep along the shaft 55 it will be collected in the annular grooves 84, 86 and carried to drain.

- are formed in thevalve sleeve 66 and which extend to the inner circumference thereof. It will also be seen that these, two diametrically opposed vertically extending passages -communicate in the plane of Fig. 8 with arcuate passages 89 and 90, respectively, formed intermediate the valve sleeve 66 and the valve housing 67. The arouate passage89 communicates with a radial port 91 and the arcuate passage 90. communicates with a radial port 92, both of which ports are formed in the valve-sleeve "66 and extend to the inner circumference thereof.

Referring to Fig. 9, it will be seen that in this plane l through the valve the two-diametrically opposed longipassages 85 communicate, respectively, with arcuf ate passages 93 and 94'and that said 'arcuate passages'at I their ends communicate, respectively, with radial 011595 1 and 96 formed in the valve sleeve 66-and extendingto .theinner circumferenee'of the same.; j

Still referring to. Fig. 9, it will further be seen that in represses T 7 ntliisaplane' through the "controlvalve the valvesleeve: 66 iis rprovided with-radial? ports-97 and 98 communicating, respectively, with thediametrically opposed longitudinal passages 85 andextending to .the inner circumferenceof the valve sleeve.

.Referring to Fig. 10, it will be seen'that the two dia- -metn'cally opposed longitudinal passages '85 also communicate, respectively, with arcuate passages 99 and 100- :formed in the valve sleeve 66' and-valve housing 67 with the longitudinal passages 85 being located midway beftween the endsof thearcuate passages 99 and 100.

The opposite ends of thearcuate passage 99 communi- -cate, respectively, with radial ports 101 and 102 while the opposite ends of the arcuate passage 100 communicate, respectively, With'radial ports 103 and 104, said radialports 101,-102, 103v and 104 being formed in the -valve sleeve 66 and extending to'the inner circumference of. the. latter.

Referring to Fig. 17, it will be seen that the shaft 55 in-this plane is provided with longitudinally extending ,passages 105, 106 and 107 (also see Fig. 3). The pas- -sage105 extends downwardly in the-shaft'55 into approximately the plane of the stator 62 where it communicates with a pair of divergent outwardly extending "passages 108 and 110 communicating with the'rnotor chamber in two of the four spaces between the stationary vanes 63 of the. stator and the movable vanes 61 of the rotor which it will be recalled is the indexible tool holding member-45.

The passage 106 extends downwardly below the plane on which Fig. 17 is taken and centrally of the shaft 55 and communicates with the counterbore 57 between the piston 56 and the inner end or bottom of the counter- .bore. The passage 107 extends downwardly of the shaft 55below the plane of Fig. 17 to approximately the location of the stator 62 where it communicates with a pair of divergent passages 109 and 111 communicating with .the chamber of the pressure fluid motor and with the remaining two of the spaces between the stationary vanes -.63 and the movable vanes 61.

The passage 105 extends longitudinally and vertically upwardly in the shaft 55 above the plane of Fig. 17 and reference to Fig. 8 will show that the upper end of said passage 105 communicates with a diametrically extending passage 112 formed in the shaft 55 and extending to the circumference thereof and in the central position of the valve indicated in Fig. 8 communicating with the ports 91 and 92 previously referred to.

The passage 106 in the shaft 55 extends upwardly above the plane of Fig. 17, and its upper end in the plane of 'Fig.. communicates with the diametrically extending I passage 113 formed in the shaft 55 and extending to the circumference thereof. In the central position of the valve indicated in Fig. 10, one end of the passage 113 connects with the port 81 while the opposite end of the passage 113 is closed bythe wall of the sleeve 66.

The passage 107 above the plane of Fig. 17 extends upwardly of the shaft 44 to the plane of Fig. 9 where it communicates with a diametrically extending passage 114 formed in the shaft 55 and having its opposite ends in the central position of the valve shown in Fig. 9 connected, respectively, to the ports 95 and 96 in the valve sleeve.

The control valve for the indexing of the tool holding member 45 has a central or intermediate position as indicated in Figs. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 and a left-hand indexing position and a right-hand indexing position shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14, 15 and 16, respectively.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 11, it Will be seen that when the valve housing 67 and valve sleeve 66 are rotated as a unit in a counterclockwise direction from the central position of Fig. 8 to the left-hand operative or indexing position of Fig. 11, the port 88 registers with the passage 112 in the shaft 55. -Also at this time the port 87 in the valve sleeve registers with the passage 112 in the shaft.

J-Hence, :the longitudinalvpassage105-in theshaft 551s at this time connected to drain. Theports 91 and-9 2- that communicate with the arcuate grooves89 -and-'901 are closed; by the circumference of the shaft-55. I-n theglefthand index position the port 79 in communicationwith the fluid pressure supply passage is blocked at its:inner end by the shaft 55.

The counterclockwise movement of the valve housing and sleeve from central position to the left-hand index-ing position has also caused the port80 to -move from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig.,1-2.

:wherein it communicates with one-end of the diametral passage 114 in the-shaft 55 while the opposite end, of

said passage is closed by the valve sleeve -66. Sinceport 80 communicates with the longitudinal passage 78.that is connected to the pressure side of the preessurefluid system, fluid pressure is now connected to the longitudinal passage-107 in the shaft 55 and flows to. the pressure fluid motor to impart counterclockwise indexing r otation to the tool holding member45 until; the movable vanes 61 abut the stationary vanes63, it. being recalled that passage at this time is. connected .to drain, see

- to interengage serrations 44a and 45a formed on the underside of the tool holding member. and the upper, side of the base member 44 to lock the-tool holding member in the positionto which it has previously beenindexed and. the pressure remains on the pistonhead until.the valve housing has been rocked from its central position. If the operator moves the control lever 74 toward the right to impart counterclockwise or left-hand rotation to the valve housing 67 and valvesleeve 66 to move .the parts of the control valve. in the plane of Fig. 13 from the position shown in Fig. 13 to the position shown in Fig. 10, then the port 81 moves out of communication with the passage 113 and is closed by the circumference of the shaft 55 thereby disconnectingthe, passage 106 from the pressure side of the circuit. "This counterclockwise movement of the valvehousing and valve sleeve connects the ports 101and 104 with the'diametral passage 113 in the shaft 55 and hence connects, the passage106 to drain, thus removing the pressure from the piston head 56, whereupon a spring 59a, in the counterbore 59 in the tool holding member45 functions to raise said tool holding member and shaft. 55 to disengage the cooperating serrations 44a and 45a to unlock or release the tool holding member 45 for indexing movement which immediately occurs due to the connection of the passage 107 to the pressure side of the circuit and the passage 105 to the exhaust side as explained in connection with Figs. 11 and 12.

As soon as the tool holding member has beenindexed in the counterclockwise direction to position one of the cutting tools carried thereby in operative position, the operator releases the control handle 74 and the rat trap springs 73 act on the valve housing and valvesleeve to rotate the same in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13 into the position shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, i.e., central position-of the valve housing and valve sleeve.

Thisclockwise rotation of the valve housing and valve sleeve does not affect any rotative movement of the tool holding member-45 and as soon as the. valvenhousing and valve sleeve are in the central position then the passage 106 is connected to the pressure side of the eircuit as shown in Fig. 10 so that pressure fluid. acts, on the piston head 56 to move the tool holding member 45 and shaft 55 against the action of the spring 59a tointer- :aauam '45 is to be indexed from its counterclockwise or left-hand i be clampedfin position on the'cross 'slideD by tightening bolts 124 and extending through the flanges to threadingly I engage a conventional T-nut clamp member, not shown,

positioned in T-slots 125 on the cross slide D.

indexed position just described to its clockwise or right- 5 In order to facilitate the attachmentand detachment hand indexed position, the operator moves the control -of the tool holder Em and from the machine tool, the lever 74 from its. central position to its left-hand posifluid pressure supply .and drain connections are prefertion to impart clockwise rotation to the valve housing 67 ably made through flexible hoses which may be connected -and sleeve 66. This clockwise rotation causes the ports to the connecting plate 68 by any suitable disconnect and passages in theplane of Fig. 8 to change the relation- 1 10 means. :ship shown in Fig. 8 to that shown in Fig. 14. This I In'the embodiment described, the tools T are secured clockwise rotation of the valve housing and sleeve moves between parallel horizontally extending shoulders 126, the drain ports 91, 92 out of communication with the 128 extending along two sides of the tool holding member diametral passage 112 in the shaft 55, the ports 91, 92 t I 45, which sides extend at right angles to each other. The i now being closed by the circumference of the shaft 55. tools T are secured in position between the shoulders by lThismovement also causes the pressure port 79 to move bolts 129 which thread through openings in the upper finto communication with the passage 112 and thus conshoulder 126. By referring to Fig. 2, it can be seen that "nect .the'passage 112 and the longitudinal passage 105 by rotating the indexing member 45 a first tool T, in to the pressure side, of the circuit. At this time the drain position to engage the work, is moved away 'from the P ports 87," 88 are also closed by the circumference of the work and a second tool T moved into position to" engage shaft. 55. Since the longitudinal passage 105 extends to the work, and that when the second tool T is in position the motor; pressure fluid now flows to said motor between to engage the work, the first tool T can be moved back the stationary vanes 63 and the movable vanes 61 to into work-engaging position by indexing the'tool'holding ,rotate the tool holding member 45 carrying the movable member 45 90 in the opposite direction. 5 "vanes in a clockwise direction until the movable vanes The form of the tool holder shown in Figs. 3 and 18 contact the stationary vanes. The pressure fluid in the comprises a hydraulic motor for indexing the tool holding passage 105 is able to impart this clockwise rotation to member 45, a hydraulic motor for clamping the tool holdthe toolholding member 45 since the clockwise or righting member 45 to the base member 44 and a spring motor hand rotation given the valve housing 67 and valve sleeve for raising the tool holding member from the base mem- 66 has changed the relationshipof the ports and passages her during the indexing movement; I In the form of the i in the plane of Fig. 8 from the position shown in said invention illustrated in Figs. 19 and through 41; 'thetool figure to the position shown inFig. 14. holding member is lifted, indexed, and clamped by hy- At the start oftheclockwise movement referred to, draulic motors carried by the tool holder E. a

the passage 107 was momentarily disconnected from drain 7 Referring to Fig. 19, the tool holder E shown therein but w again o t d t d ai t the completion of comprises a base member 134 and a tool holding member f such movement to allow the indexing movement to commence.

Referring to Fig. 15, it will be seen that the drain port "98-now communicates with the diametral passage 114 with which the longitudinal passage 107 is in communication The drain port 96 and the pressure port 80 are now closed byrthe circumference of the shaft 55. Also the drain ports 97, 98 now communicate with the passage 114 while thedrain port 95 is closed by the circumference of the shaft. Referring to Figs. 10 and 16, the clockwise rotation ojf'the valve housing and valve sleeve first moves the pressure port 81 out of communication with the diametral passage 113 and hence the longitudinal passage 106 is disconnected from the pressure side of the circuit. The clockwise rotation of the valve housing and sleeve registers the drain ports 103 and 102 with'the opposite ends 'ofthe diametral passage 113 so that the longitudinal pasf sage 106 is connected to drain, whereupon the spring 59a 5 acts upwardly on the tool holding member 45 to disengage the serrations 44a, 45a to allowthe motor to impart the clockwise indexing rotation to the tool holding member. 7

'When the indexing rotation has been completed, the operator releases'the control lever 74 and the rat trap i springs 73 act on the valve housing to rotate the latter and the valve sleeve in a counterclockwise direction to reestablish the relationship of the ports and'passages from "those shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 16 to those shown. in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, atwhich time pressure fluid is on the passage 106 and the piston head 56 and moves said piston headtdownwardly to interengage the serrations 44a, 45a and lock the tool holding member in its presently indexed position.

' The base member 44 of the tool holder formed so as to be readily attachable to,. and detachable from, the

similar to the base member 44 and tool holdingmember 45, respectively, of the first-described embodiment. As in the first-described embodiment, the base member 134 has an axial counterbore 136 and a shaft 140 extends from the counterbore 136 through a collar 141 secured to the upper side of the base member and into a counterbore 142 opening into the lower side of the tool holding member 135. The shaft 140 is axially slidable with re spect to the base member 134 but is keyed, or otherwise connected, thereto so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

The shaft 140 extends from the counterbore 142 through a bore 144 into a counterbore 146 which'opens into the upper side of the tool holding member 135 but which is closed by a collar 147 through and above which the shaft 140 extends. The tool holding member 135 is rotatable with respect to the shaft 140 and has plates 148 recessed in the underside thereof along its opposite edges, which plates have formed thereon serrations. 149 adapted to mesh with serrations 150 carried by plates. 151 recessed in the upper side of the base member 134 for preventing relative rotation between the tool holding member 135 and the base member 134. v

The tool holding member 135 is adapted to be clamped against the base member 134 by a hydraulic motor 152 comprising a piston 153 fixed to the shaft 140 adjacent to its lower end and operable in the counterbore 136. The counterbore 136 functions. as the cylinderelement of the motor 152. The motor 152 is connected to either the fluid pressure supply or drain by means of a port 154*in the shaft 140 opening into the counterbore 136 and com municating with an axially extending passage v155 in the shaft 140, the passage 155 extending from the lower end of the shaft to a point adjacent the upper portion thereof. The lower end of the passage 155 is plugged to prevent fluid flow therefrom.

" machine. tool with which it is to be used. In the illus- When the tool holding member 135 is tobe' indexed, .trated embodiments, the tool holder E is designed for use the member is moved away from the upper side of the "onthe. cross slide of. a lathe, andthe base member 44'is base member 134 to disengage the serrations 149, 150

" provided with flanges 120,121. The tool holder E n1ayby a hydraulic motor'157comprising'a stationaryelement piston 158 about the shaft 1 40 ine6imterbbre 142 of "the tool holding member 135, 'the piston 1'58 abutting against the upper end ofthe collar 141. The upper pertion of the counterbore 142 forms the cylinder eiemem of the hydraulic'motor 1 57, and when'fluid pre's'sur'e'is supplied thereto causes the indexible tool holding member 135 to move upwardly with respect to the base member 134'carrying with it the shaft 140. Fluid'pressu're is supplied to the hydraulic motor '157 through a "radial port 160'in the shaft 140, the port'1'60 communicating with the counterbore 142 and with an axially extending passage "161 inthe shaft 140. The passage 161 extends parallel to the axis of the s haft from the port 160'to'the up er end of the shaft, the upper endofthepassagebeingblocked "to prevent'fluid flow therefrom.

The tool holding member '135'is indexed between its "positions by a vane type hydraulic motor -163 -vhich is similar to the'indexi'ng motor of the first-described embodiment and comprises a pressure chamber element formed by the counterbore 1 46, the "counterbo're having "elements or vanes 164, 165'which are integral -with the 'indexible' member 135 and constitute movable vanes' and are adapted to cooperate-with stationary elements orva'nes "166, 167 formed'oh'the shaft-1 40. Themovable vanes 164, 16-5 are diametrically opposedtoeach other and are located on opposite sides of the shaft 140, and the station- 5%,; vanes 166, "167 extend outwardly from the shaft 140 atdi'ainetrically' opposite points on th'e 'shaft. Fluid presff'sure is supplied to the meter 163 "through 'eitherone of "twofixiallvextending passages 170,- 171 'in'theshaft 140. The passage 17 cornr'n unic'ates withthe-space between "the stationary 'vane '1'67and 'the rnovable vane 164 and the space be't 'ween the stationar yjvane I=66-and the 'iiri ovable vanef165 through" a 'passagef172 lying in -a plane extendingtrahsversely of the'shaft1 40. Whe'n fiuid'pres- 7 sure'issuppliedthrough the passage 170 to the "spaces inentionedQthe toolih'oldi'ng member 135 moves in a "clockwise" directionhntil the movable vanes 164, i are in 'engagementwith the stationary vanes 166, '1'67,'-re- "spec'tively, M v

'The"axially extending passage 171' communicates "with the space between thest'at'ionary'vahe 167 and the 'movableyane 165 and with the space betweenthe stationary "yam f1*6 6and'the movablevane 164 through apassage 173. 'Whlffillid pressure is "supplied'to the ''hydraulic mo'tor163 through the axially extending passage 1 70 and '3 the communicating passage "17 3, 'the tool holding member 135 moves in a'c'ounterclockwise direction until the *iab'vaue 'vai1es' 164,"1 65 engage, respectively, stationary "vanes 167,166, 7 v

The axiallyi extending assa es 155, 161, 170 and 171. "inthe"shaft140are either connected to thesupply fof p'res's'u'refluid "or to drain by means "of a control valve'175 ported about-the upper portion of the shaft'140 which --'isabove the collar 147' by a support ring 176' fixed tothe I shaft 140. Thecont'rol valve'175comprises an annular 'valv'e housing 177 and a valve sleeve 17 8 intermediate the housing 177 andtheshaft 140, thvalve sleeve I78 and "thehous'ing177being rotatable as-a unit on theshaft 1'40. The controlvalve 175 'is biased to "a central-'position from "Whichitis movable in 'eitherdirection to cause the tool "holding member 135 to index. The valve is biased 'to" its "central position by springs179 which-'ares'imilar'and *oprate in'a' manner similar to the springs 73 of the firstdescribed embodiment.

The pressure supply and drain connectionsto the control'valve' 175 are 'madethrough a connecting plate 180 "fixedto 'the' upper end of 'theshaft 140. The connecting 'plate 180 hasa pressurefsupply' passage 181 formed therein which is adapted to-be connected by" suitable 'connections to the discharge sideof the 'fluid'pressu're pump *andwhich communicatesf'with an axially 'extending passage'182 in'the shaft140. -The' ax'ially extending pas- *s'age 182'in the shaft- 140 communicates with an annuar-grows 183"in the internal circumference of the valve '"10 sleeve -17 8 tlirough a port I84,* see Fi'g. The annil largrobve is, "in turn, connected with a pair of axially "extending passages '185'for'med in the outer circumference'or the valve sleeve, the passages 185 being diametri 5 "c ally opposed to each'otherand terminating-sho'rtof the ends of the valve sleeve.

The connecting plate 180 is also formed with a drain passage 187 adapted to be connected to the sump by -suitable means readily detachable from the connecting plate, the passage communicating with an axially extending passage 188 in the shaft 1'40. Passage I88 communi- *cates 'at'its --1ower end with an annular drain groove .190 "in the internal circumference of the upper portion of the valve sleeve 178 through a port 191, the annular groove 190 beingpositioned in a plane above the pressure groove 183,see'Fig. 20.

As is best shown in Fig. 20, the drain groove 190 'is connected todiametrically opposed axially extending pas- 1 sages -192 in the outer'circu'mference of the valve sleeve 178 'by :ports 193, the passages 192 being spa'ced '90" from the pressure passages 185. The passages 192, at

their lower ends, arein communication with an annular groove 194in the internal circumference'ofthe valve 'sleeve'by'rneans ofports 194a, see Fig. 19.

The vertical passage 171 in the shaft 140 for'supplying fluidpressure to index the tool holding member 45in a counter-clockwise directionis=normally connected to the --drain passages'192in the valve sleeve through a diametral passage-1'95 in the shaft 140, the passage 195 lying '30"-in'-the horizontal'plane'of Fig. 22. The opposite ends "of the "dia'met'ral passage 195 are connected tothe drain 'pa's'sages "192, when-the valve sleeve is in its-normal o'r "central position shown in Fig. 4 22, by diametrically op- "p'os'ed' ports -1'96 in the'valve sleeve178, which ports l96 are connected to'the' drain passages 192 by interconnectin-g passages 197 formed in the outer-periphery of'the valve 'sleeve. Thediametral passage 195 is also connecte'd'to' the drain'passages 192 when the valvesleeve is *rot'ated' in a clockwise direction'from its central position by 'diametrically opposed ports 198, g respectively,

space'd counterclockwise from the corresponding "ports 196 'and' extending, respectively, from the drain passages 192 to-the internal circumference of the valve sleeve178. '-Thus,' it"may now"beseen that the di'ametralpassage 195 4 -and=the vertical passage 171 are connected to drain when the valve sleeve 178 is in its central position or is rotated clockwise to its clockwise indexing position, shown in *Fig5'3'4.

If the valve sleeve is rotat'ed co'unterclockwise'from its "5 'central position, the vertical passage '171 and 'the diamet'ral passage 195 are connected to the pressure'passages 185by diametrically opposed ports 200 in the valve I sleeve 178 'which'- are, respectively, spaced counterclockwise from the corresponding pressure passages 185,'and

"'55 which open 'into the central opening of the valve sleeve.

The ports 200,- respectively, communicate with the pres- -surepassages 185 through interconnecting passages 201 'm the outer periphery 'of the-valve sleeve, as shown "in -Fig.30. When theports 200 register with the opposite -ends'of the diametral -passage195, the drain ports 198, 196 -are blocked'-at 'their inner end by the circumference -of' the shaft 140. Thus, itcan'now be seen that when the yalve' sleeve 178 is moved in'a counterclockwisedirection to its counterclockwise indexing position, pressure g5 fluid' is supplied to' the vertically extending passage 171 I to cause theindexing motor 163 toindex the tool holding member in a counterclockwise direction.

1 4 The vertical passage for the fluid pressure' motor {163 "is connected to drain through a diametral passage 70-204- in the shaft 140'at the plane of Fig. 31 when lthe control valve'175 is 'in its central position and when it is moved in a counterclockwise direction to its counterclockwise'indexing position. When the control valve"" lS in its' c'entralpos'ition, the 'opp'osite'ends of the diam- 75 etral passage 204 register with diametrically opposed,

-drain .pofts 205 .in .the zvalve sleeve -178,:whieh ports :are,

:.tive interconnecting passages-206 formed in the outer cir- When the control valve cumference of the valve sleeve. ,i's-rnoved counterclockwise to its counterclockwise indexing position, the opposite ends of the diametral-passage 204 register, respectively, with opposed drain ports 207 -which extendradially'from the drain passages 192 ,to the-- -inner circumference of the valve sleeve 178, see Fig; 39.

As is best 'shown'in Fig. 35, when-thecontrol valve is moved clockwise to 'its clockwise indexing position, the vertical passage 163 and'the-diarnetral passage 204. are

connected to thepressure passages 185 by diametrically opposed ports 210 in the valvesleeve178which-register, :-respectively, with the opposite'ends of the diametral passage 204. The pressure ports 2-10 are, respectively, spaced clockwise from the corresponding passages -185 to which they are connected by respective interconnecting passages -'211 formed in the outer circumference of the valve sleeve. ,When the pressure ports 210 are in registry with :the'diam'etral passage 204, the inner ends of the drain ports 205, v207. are blocked by the outer circumference -oftheshaft140. f

It may now be seen that when the control -moved clockwise to its clockwise indexing position, the

-vertical passage 170 is connected to the pressure'pas- :sages 185 intthe valve sleeve 178, and the vertical pas- -sage 171 is connected to the drain passages in the valve 1 s1eeve,thereby causing the indexing motor 163 to move the tool holding member in a clockwise direction. When thecontrol valve is moved counterclockwise to its counterclockwise indexing position, the connectionsare reversed and the tool holding member is indexed in .a counterclockwise direction.

The hydraulic motor 151 for lifting. the tool holding member 135 from thebase member 44 to disengage the serrations 149; 150 is normally connected to the drain in the plane of Fig. 32 which diametral passage com- 1 municates with the vertical passage 161. When the control valve 175 is in its central position, the opposite ends of the diametral passage 213 register, respectively, with diametrically opposed ports 214 extending radially inwardly from the, drain passages192, respectively, to the inner circumference of the valve sleeve 178.

When the control valve 175 is moved counterclockwise to its counterclockwise indexing position, as shown in Fig.

. 40, the opposite ends of the diametral passage 213 reg-.,

ister, respectively, with diametrically opposed ports 215 which are connected, respectively, to the pressure passages 185 by respective interconnecting passages 216 formed in the outer periphery of the valve sleeve 178, the ports 215 being spaced in a counterclockwise direction from the corresponding passages 185.

1 When the control valve is vmoved clockwise to its clockwise indexing position, the opposite ends ofthe diametral passage 213 register, respectively, with diametrically opposed ports 217 in the valve sleeve 178 which are, respeci respectto the base member 134. As is best shown in Fig. 33, when the. control valve is in its central position the verticalpassage 155 is connected to thepressure passages 185 ,of the valve sleeve 178 through a diametral passage 220 in the shaft 140, the diametral passage 220 3, valve is passages 192 by a diametral passage 213 in the shaft 140* supplied from thepressurepassages 185 to the diametral cumference of the valve sleeve 178 and registering with the opposite ends of the diametral passage 220 when the control valve is in its central'pos'ition.

When the control valve 175 is moved counterclockwise .or clockwise to either of its indexing positions, the diametral passage 220 is connected to the drain passages 192 of the valve sleeve. If the control valve is moved counterclockwise, the opposite ends of the diametral passage 220 register with diametrically opposed ports 222 in the valve sleeve 178, the ports 222 being connected to the drain passages 192 by interconnecting passages 223 formed in the outer circumference of the valve sleeve, see Fig. 41. If the control valve 175 is moved clockwise to its clockwise indexing position, the opposite ends of the diametral passage 220 register, respectively, with drain ports 224 in the valve sleeve v178, the ports 224 being connected, respectively, to the drain passages 192 by interconnecting passages 225 formed in the circumference of the valve sleeve. When the control valve is moved in either direction to connect the diametral passage 220 to the drain passages 192, the inner ends-of the pressure ports 221 are blocked by the circumference of shaft 140.

From the foregoing description, it may now be seen that as long as the valve sleeve 178 is in its central position it functions to continuously supply fluid pressure fluid to the hydraulic motor 152 and to connect the motors 157, 163 to drain. When the control valve 175 is moved to either of its indexing positions, the hydraulic motor 157, which is connected to drain when the control valve is in its central position, has fluid pressure supplied thereto through the vertical passage 161 to cause the tool holding member to move away from the base member 44 and, simultaneously with the supply of pressure fluid to the motor 157, pressure fluid is supplied to one side of the motor 163 through oneof the passages 170, 171, the

particular passage supplied depending on the direction of movement of the valve, while the other of the passages is connected to drain to index the tool holding member 135 others have been accomplished. A tool holder embodying the preferred embodiment of the present invention is readily attachable to, and detachable from, a machine tool and comprises power actuatedor motor means for indexing the indexible member on the base member which supports the indexible member and for clamping the indexible member against the base member and for moving the indexible member away from the base member during its indexing movement. The motor for indexing the indexible member of the tool holder and at least one of the motors for lifting and clamping the indexible motor from and to the base member are preferably fluid pressure motors, and the motor for performing the mentioned operations are preferably coaxial with the axis of rotation of the indexible member and are preferably controlled by a single control valve also .coaxial with the axis of rotation, which valve is movable from a central position in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to cause the tool holder to index; respectively, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. h

While embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in considerable detail, it is hereby my intention to cover all modifications, constructions and arrangemn ,Wh h a h n t ep t c of those sk l di ibre-$52 js'eo'pejof theappended claims. descr b' my invention, I claim:

iblefholder for a machine tool comprising 1" "an indexiblemember "mounted on said i nat li .1 d

:m'otor for -clamping said indexible member against said page .i'nernb'er to prevent rotationthereof, the last said *niotor-having a pressure chamber formed in one of said "members about said shaft and said shaft having axially I'xtfenc'ling passages therein communicating with said mo- "'to'r's for supplying pressure fluid 'thereto, motor means fopieratively connected between said members for moving aid inflexible member away, from said base member to .-1=permit indexing movement with respect thereto and valve means positioned coaxially about said shaft for simultaneously controlling the pressure fluid connections to "s'a1d motors.

2. A holder as in claim 13 wherein said motor means is a third fluid pressure motor and said shaft has an axially extending passage for supplying pressure fluid to said third motor and said valve means controls the supply of pressure fluid to the last said passage.

3. An indexible holder for a machine tool comprising a base member, an indexible member mounted on said base member for rotary indexible movement about an axis, a shaft coaxial with said axis and axially movable in said base member and extending from said base member through said indexible member, said indexible member being rotatable with respect to said shaft and axially movable therewith, a fluid pressure motor including a pressure chamber formed in said indexible member about said shaft for rotating said indexible member with respect to said base member, motor means for lifting said indexible member from said base member, motor means for clamping said indexible member against said base member to prevent rotation thereof, one of said motor means being a fluid pressure motor and having a pressure chamber formed in one of said members about said shaft, said shaft having passages therein communicating with said hydraulic motors for supplying pressure fluid thereto, and valve means positioned coaxially about said shaft for simultaneously controlling the fluid pressure connections to said motors.

4. An indexible holder for a machine tool comprising a base member, an indexible member mounted on said base member for rotary indexible movement with respect thereto, said members having three aligned chambers formed therein, a shaft supported by said members and extending between said chambers and outwardly of said indexible member, a fluid pressure vane-type motor for indexing said indexible member, a fluid pressure motor for applying a clamping pressure to said indexible member tending to move the latter toward said base member, a third fluid pressure motor for moving said indexible member axially in a direction away from said base member, said fluid pressure motors each having a pressure chamber formed by a different one of said aligned chambers and said fluid pressure vane-type motor including an element fixed to said shaft, a control valve coaxially positioned about said shaft outwardly of said indexible member, said shaft having longitudinally extending passages therein interconnecting said valve and said motors, which passages are selectively connectable to a source of pressure fluid or to drain through said valve to control the operation of said motors.

'5. A holder as defined in claim 4 wherein said base member and said indexible members have serrations on their adjacent sides which are engaged when fluid pressure is supplied to said second motor and said third motor is connected to drain and which are disengaged rotary indexible movementgashaft exshaftahdaifelement fixed to said shaft, a fluid pressure wires-flan attests t tsms1na o saa third ihdtbriiiid ible holder for a machine tool comprisi rig a base me ber, an ndexible member mounted on"s a1d base member for rot'ary indexible movement, saidindexember ha "ng counterbores coaxial with the axis or rotfation "of "said i dexible member and opening into opposite sides "t lrereofls'aid basem'ember having a counterborefcoaxial withsaidjindexible member, a shaft extend- 'in'g between said counterbores and outwardly of sa1d indexible membenfme'ans'nonqotatably connecting said shaft to said "base member but permitting'relative 'axial finavemm "therebetween said indexible member being rotatable with respect to said shaft and axially movable therewith,ajfluid -pfessure 'motor having a pressure chainbjer formed by' one of 'saidcounterbores insaid'indexible "memberand includinginovable vanes extending inwardly 'from'sai'd oiie counterbore "and stationary vanes fixed to said shaft for indexing said indexible member, "a fluid pressure actuator having a cylinder element formed by the other of said counterbores in said indexible member formovingsaid shaft and said indexible member in an axial direction away from said base member, a fluid pressure actuator for moving said indexible member toward said base member and applying a clamping pressure therebetween comprising a cylinder element formed by said counterbore in said base member and a piston element fixed to said shaft, and valve means positioned coaxially about said shaft for controlling the pressure and drain connections to said motor and said actuators and movable in one direction to cause indexing of said member in one direction and in the other direction to cause indexing of said member in the opposite direction, said shaft having longitudinal passages therein communicating respectively with said counterbores and said valve means.

7. An indexible holder for a machine tool comprising a base member, an indexible member mounted on said base member for rotary indexible movement, said indexible member having upper and lower counterbores aligned with the axis of rotation of said indexible member and opening into the upper and lower side thereof respectively, means for closing said upper counterbore, said base memher having a counterbore coaxial with the counterbores of said indexible member, a shaft extending between said counterbores and outwardly of said indexible member, means non-rotatably connecting said shaft to said base member but permitting relative axial movement therebetween said indexible member being rotatable with respect to said shaft and axially movable therewith, a fluid pressure motor for indexing said indexible member having a pressure chamber formed by said upper counterbore in said indexible member and including movable vanes fixed to said indexible member and extending inwardly from the wall of said upper counterbore and stationary vanes fixed to said shaft, a spring positioned in said lower counterbore and urging said members apart, a fluid pressure actuator for moving said indexible member toward said base member against the force of said spring to apply a clamping pressure between said members, said actuator comprising a cylinder element formed by said counterbore in said base member and a piston element fixed to said shaft, and valve means positioned coaxially about said shaft for controlling the pressures and drain connections to motor and said actuator and movable in one direction to cause indexing of said member in one direction and in the other direction to cause indexing of said member in the opposite direction, said shaft having longitudinal passages therein communicating respectively with said counterbores and said valve means.

8. An indexible holder for a machine tool comprising a base member, an indexible member mounted on said base member for rotary indexible movement, a shaft extending through one of said members and into the other of said members, a vane type fluid motor for rotating said indexible member and comprising a pressure chamber formed in one ofsaidmembers about said shaft vandfla piston element, means connecting said pistonelement to said shaft and holding the piston element against rotation relative to the shaft, a second fluid pressure motor for clamping said indexible member against said base member to prevent rotation of the indexible member, said second fluid pressure motor comprising a pressure chamber formed in one of said members and about said shaft and a piston element, means connecting said piston ele- -rnent of said second motor to said shaft and holding the element against axial movement relative to' said shaft,

said shaft having a plurality of passages communicating with said chambers for supplying fluid pressure thereto,

and means supporting said shaft for rotation relative to the member in which the pressure chamber of the vane -type motor is formed and further supportingsaid shaft for'axialmovement relative to the member in which the pressurechamber of said second motor is formed and H against axial movement with respect to the other member.

9. An indexible holder as defined in claim 8 wherein a third fluid pressure motor comprising a pressure chamber formed about said shaft and a piston element is provided her, and means connecting said piston element of for lifting said indexiblQHiember from said b s a said third fluid pressure motor to, said shaft-and; holding ithe piston element and said'shaft against relative axial move ment, said shaft having ai passage communicatingwjth the chamber of said third ,fiuid pressurefmotor,

References Cited in the m6 af a r 55am UNITED STATES PArEnTs UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent NO. 2,915,922 December 8, 1959 Ross B. Treer It is hereb$ certified that error appears in the-printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 13, line 23 for the claim reference numeral "13" read 1 Signed and sealed this 14th day of June l9 0.-

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL H. AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Arresting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

